Three Egyptians feature in Taawoun victory over Shabab

Essam El-Hadary featured for Al Taawoun, while Mostafa Fathi and Amr Barakat played for Al Shabab in the former’s 2-1 victory in gameweek 25 of the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

El-Hadary played the whole game while former Egypt international striker Emad Meteb, who joined the Saudi Arabian side from Cairo giants Al Ahly, remained on the bench.

On the other hand, Barakat was included in the starting line up before leaving the pitch late in the second half, while his fellow Egyptian Fathi came off the bench in half time.

The 45-year-old Egypt international keeper conceded a goal after 16 minutes through Al Shabab’s Saad Abdul-Amir. Twenty minutes later, Jufain Al-Bishi levelled the scoreline as the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.

Around the one-hour mark, Fathi played a one-two with Syrian midfielder Jehad Al-Hussain, who was fouled inside the box as Al Taawoun were awarded a penalty. Al Hilal loanee Abdul-Majeed Abdullah Al Ruwaili converted from the spot to complete his side’s comeback.

Taawoun now sit eighth on 34 points and they’ll next face ninth-placed Al Ettifaq on Thursday. Meanwhile, Shabab are 10th with 30 points and will play their next game against Al Faisaly, who sit six on the Saudi Pro League table.